History of OIP's Celebration of Achievement Ceremony and Reception

In April 1994, a group of
SF State international students approached SF State’s Office of International
Programs and requested OIP’s help with organizing a special reception
honoring and recognizing the many international students who graduate
from SF State each Spring. The students wanted to hold an event that would
be more personal and individual than the university’s beautiful
and large commencement ceremony and which would not only allow their
fellow international students to assemble together as a group one last
time to celebrate their graduation from SF State but that would also allow
them to invite an unlimited number of family and friends to celebrate
with them. After carefully studying the students’ proposal and
after a great deal of research, planning and preparation, OIP organized
the first ceremony in May 1995 which was attended by 95 students and
300 guests.
At each reception, every student
is presented with a beautifully prepared “Certificate of Accomplishment”
by OIP, distinguished SF State faculty and staff are honored for their contributions
towards furthering the cause of international education at SF State and
a prominent member of the university’s faculty/staff delivers
an eloquent keynote address.

Celebrating it’s 20th
year, today’s “Celebration of Achievement” Reception has become a much cherished annual tradition which is
eagerly anticipated by both SF State international students and OIP staff
each year!